In the winter of 1812, the remnants of Napoleon's Grande Armee struggled back from Russia, a tattered wreck of the multinational force that had headed east earlier that summer. Along the line of invasion and retreat lay Vilna (now Vilnius, capital of Lithuania). The town was an important staging post and garrison on the route to Moscow. In July the inhabitants had welcomed the hussars and lancers waving from windows and throwing flowers. In December they barred the doors and threw the starving, weakened troops into the streets.

In 2002, construction workers uncovered a mass grave of bones and military artefacts – they turned out to be soldiers from 1812. Buttons, insignia and other paraphernalia identified them as survivors of Borodino, Moscow and the Berezina. Our guide Paul Richardson became interested in the tragic story. He visited Vilnius, met the experts and was given full access to the information and photographic records. The result was a fascinating book. With him we will go to the museum, where the relics, both human and military have been expertly restored and preserved, the cemetery to which over 3,000 bodies were removed and interred and introduce you to some of the people who worked on the project.

We will also explore some of the history of Lithuania by visiting the original capital of Kernave. The town never recovered from an assault in 1390 by the 'Northern Crusaders' one of whom was the future Henry IV of England. Now it is a World Heritage site. We will also visit the beautiful rebuilt Trakai Island Castle set in a lovely lakeside setting. The castle was the seat of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania at the height of their power.

It is a pleasure to walk through the old town with its architecture from the Gothic to the Baroque; you can walk by the river Vilnia or sample one of the open-air cafes.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Thursday): Fly London – Vilnius – evening flight. Check into the hotel Radisson for 3 night stay.
Days 2 and 3: Visit the museum, university and cemetery to learn the history of the events in the winter of 1812, examine the carefully restored remains from the recent discoveries and see how these tangible remains bring the tragic events of 200 years ago to life. There will be an introduction to some of the city's most interesting buildings and plenty of time to explore at your own pace. On the second night, your own choice of restaurant. We will have a group dinner on day 3.
Day 4: The Archeological reserve at Kernave. Lake Galve and Trakal Island Castle. Group dinner.
Day 5: Free morning to continue exploring Vilnius before our late afternoon flight.